It's classic OG monster movies for this first pairing of 2026! Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, 1933's "King Kong" brought new innovation to the screen and started a long-running franchise! The story follows filmmaker Carl Denham (Robert Armstrong) as he prepares for his latest action thriller! The only problem is... no agency will help him cast his leading lady. Fortunately, he finds struggling actress Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) in a soup-kitchen line and offers her the part of a lifetime. They head out to sea on the ship Venture, helmed by Captain Englehorn (Frank Reicher). Denham reveals they're headed for an uncharted island, distinguished by a mountain shaped like a skull and, supposedly, the home of a mysterious creature known only as "Kong." Along the way, sparks begin to fly between Ann and first make Jack Driscoll (Bruce Cabot). Upon arriving at the island, they witness a ceremony before a massive wall and gate, which their presence interrupts. The chief of the tribe asks to purchase Ann for her blond hair, but of course the group refuses. That night, after Driscoll reveals his love to Ann, natives slip aboard the Venture and kidnap her. Discovering her absence, the crew heads off to the rescue, only to witness Kong, a giant ape, carry Ann off into the jungle. They give chase, and most of them are killed attempting to rescue Ann, leaving only Jack to follow Kong back to his lair, where he manages to spirit Ann away, with Kong in hot pursuit. The chase continues through the island and down to the beach the crew landed on, where Denham uses the gas bombs he brought with him to incapacitate Kong, declaring that they're going to take the ape back to New York for exhibition! And that's only the first half of the story! Also starring Sam Hardy, Noble Johnson, James Flavin, and Steve Clemente!

Our second holiday film for 2025 was, at the time it was released, an example of the pinnacle of computer animation! Directed by Robert Zemeckis, 2004's "The Polar Express" tells a tale of that time in a child's life where they begin to question the existence of Santa Claus. A young boy (voiced by Tom Hanks) is headed to bed on Christmas Eve after having told his little sister that he didn't think Santa was real anymore. He awakens to the sound of a locomotive thundering to a stop in the street outside his house, where he's invited to board "The Polar Express", non-stop to the North Pole, by the Conductor (Hanks). Upon reluctantly climbing on board, our hero meets both a loud-mouthed redheaded kid (Eddie Deezen) and a soft-spoken but confident African-American girl (Nona Gaye). After the train stops briefly to pick up one more child, named Billy (Peter Scolari) from 'across the tracks,' the train continues on its way. After being served hot chocolate, the girl takes a cup to Billy, who is riding by himself in another car. Our hero notices her un-stamped ticket laying on her seat, goes to take it to her, and loses it in the wind. It eventually makes its way back to the train but our hero doesn't know that, so he climbs up on the room to try to find the girl and the conductor. There, he meets a hobo (Hanks) who is traveling on top of the train. The hobo helps the boy make his way to the engine, where he discovers the girl is now driving the train while the driver and engineer are out replacing the headlight on the front of the train. They end up surviving several moments of peril and arriving at the North Pole, but mischance has our hero, the girl, and Billy separated from the rest of the group! Will they get back in time for Santa's arrival? Will our hero learn the truth about Santa's existence? This holiday tale has a happy ending, but we won't spoil it here! Plus, the trio reveal which OG monster movies they're reviewing for the last pairing before the 500th! (

It's time for the annual Two Geeks and a G.I.T. holiday pairing! This year, we're going to listen to the comments we've gotten over the years and do two fan favorites! First up, it's a tale that clearly rings true for many, many people! Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechick and written by John Hughes, 1989's "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" brings us once more to the Griswald family, this time over the winter holidays! Clark Griswald (Chevy Chase) his wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), his daughter Audrey (Juliette Lewis) and his son Rusty (Johnny Galecki) are going to have both sides of the family over for Christmas for the first time, and Clark wants it to be the perfect gathering! But when Clark's Dad Clark Sr. (John Randolph) and Mom Nora (Diane Ladd) arrive with Ellen's Dad Art (E. G. Marshall) and Mom Frances (Doris Roberts) arrive at the same time, the fighting begins right off the bat. Add Uncle Lewis (William Hickey) and batty Aunt Bethany (Mae Questel) and a surprise visit from Ellen's cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid), his wife Miriam Flynn, their two kids Rocky (Cody Burger) and Ruby Sue (Ellen Latzen), along with their rottweiler Snots, things go from bad to worse! Add in trouble with the christmas lights, a tree that's too big for their house, and a missing Christmas bonus check, and you have the makings for a weeks-long holiday mishap! Also starring Brian Doyle Murray, Nicholas Guest, and Julia Louise-Dreyfus!

The second film in our tribute to the late Diane Keaton resulted in an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her! In 2003's "Something's Gotta Give," written and directed by Nancy Meyers, we're introduced to Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson), a guy in his sixties who only dates women in their 20s and 30s. When his latest companion, Marin (Amanda Peet) takes him to her mother's beach house, their flirtations are interrupted when Marin's mother, Erica Barry (Keaton) and her friend Zoe (Frances McDormand) arrive unannounced. After some awkwardness ensues, the four decided that they'll all stay for the weekend. Unfortunately, things between Harry and Marin hit a snag when, during some pre-sex fooling around, Harry has a heart attack. They get Harry to the hospital where Dr. Julian Mercer (Keanu Reeves) saves his life. When introduced to Erica, he recognizes her as a successful playwright and sparks immediately fly. Unfortunately for Erica, Harry has to remain nearby during his convalescence and her beach house is the only option. Thus begins something of a topsy-turvy romance-not-romance between Erica and Harry, all the while Julian has made his interest Erica plain for all to see. A story about the one-sided societal view of an old and young romantic pairing and how things do or don't work out in such relationships! Plus, the geeks reveal which two classic holiday films will be this year's winter holiday pairing!

Our final honorary pairing of 2025 finds us looking at the work of an amazing actress we lost too soon. We lost Diane Keaton on October 11th, 2025, so we're looking at two of her films, one of which netted her an Oscar nomination! First up, it's director Hugh Wilson's take on what it's like to find yourself divorced in your 50s. In 1996's "The First Wives Club," we follow the story of four college friends, Elice Elliot Atchison (Goldie Hawn), Brenda Morelli Cushman (Bette Midler), Annie MacDuggan Paradis (Keaton), and Cynthia Swann Griffin (Stockard Channing), who've lost touch with each other a few decades after their college graduation. The suicide of one brings the remaining three back together, and friendship rekindles. Over dinner, after the usual niceties, all three confess that their lives haven't turned out at all the way they had hoped. They decide to join forces in a scheme to get revenge on their ex-husbands while, at the same time, beginning to figure out what they want the next chapter of their individual and collective lives to look like. But it's the realization, after a falling out, of what they could accomplish together that truly sets them on their way forward! Also starring Maggie Smith, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dan Hedaya, Victor Garber, Stephen Collins, Marcia Gay Harden, and Bronson Pinchot!

Starting in the 1940s, the name Humphrey Bogart was common knowledge as Hollywood royalty, but he didn't always play the hero. In 1948's "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," which re-teamed him with director John Huston, Bogart plays Fred C. Dobbs, a penniless American stuck in the Mexican town of Tampico. After begging for a meal "for a fellow American" from the same man three times (John Huston's cameo), he's recruited by contractor Pat McCormick (Barton MacLane) to help build oil derricks. On this job, he meets Bob Curtin (Tim Holt), and the two strike up a friendship. After completing the job, Pat can't find the agent who's supposed to have their pay, but promises to find them as soon as he does. Fred and Bob head to a cantina to have a drink, where they discover that Pat is running a scam and has "employed" many people in the past, and paid none of them. They head to a flophouse where they meet an old man, an ex-miner, who talks romantically about hunting for gold in the mountains. The next day, the pair encounter Pat outside of a cantina and he offers to buy the two a drink. The drink turns into a brawl and the two manage to take down Pat, then pay themselves their promised wages out of the money he has on-hand. They talk and decide to seek the old man (Howard, played by Walter Huston, John's father) out and try their luck as gold miners. From there, the story begins its laborious trek into the mountain in search of the promised wealth. They face painful weather conditions, mutual distrust, and bandit attacks, all in pursuit of the gold. But how the story ends is quite unusual for Hollywood of the 40s. Also starring Bruce Bennett, Alfonso Bedoya, and an extremely young Robert Blake! Plus, the trio unveil which two films they'll pair next, to honor the passing of Diane Keaton!

In this pairing, we'll be looking at the work of one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Humphrey Bogart! We begin in 1941 and the first time a film featured John Huston as director and Bogart as star, "The Maltese Falcon!" Based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett, the story follows detective Sam Spade (Bogart) who meets a new client who introduces herself as Ruth Wonderly (Mary Astor) and delivers a story of woe about a missing sister and a ne'er-do-well who has convinced her to run away with him. Sam, and his partner Miles Archer (Jerome Cowan) agree to take the case. Miles heads out to tail Wonderly while Sam stays in the office. That evening, the police arrive to inform Sam that Miles has been killed on his stake-out. Sam tries to contact Ruth only to discover she's no longer at her hotel. The police arrive and inform Sam that not only was his partner shot and killed, but the man who supposedly ran off with Ruth's sister, Floyd Thursby, has also been killed. This sets off a decidedly twisted tale of lies, deception, threats, greed, and false identities that spiral into a mystery worth being called a masterpiece of filmmaking! Also featuring the first cinematic appearance of Sidney Greenstreet, along with Peter Lorre, Gladys George, Barton MacLane, Lee Patrick, and Elisha Cook Jr.!

The second film in our tribute to Robert Redford gave us the first time he was both director and star in the same story! In 1998's "The Horse Whisperer," based on the book by Nicholas Evans, we're introduced to the MacLean family - father Robert (Sam Neill), mother Annie (Kristin Scott Thomas), and daughter Grace (Scarlett Johansson). While out riding horses with her friend Judith (Kate Bosworth in her first film role), there is an accident involving a semi-truck, during which Judith is killed, Grace is critically injured, and her horse, Pilgrim, is stuck by the truck and also critically injured. Grace's right leg is partially amputated, and Pilgrim is so traumatized that no one can get near her. In the hope of healing Pilgrim, and by doing so help Grace to heal as well, Annie researches horse experts and comes across a "horse whisperer" in Montana named Tom Booker (Redford). After Booker turns down her request for help on the phone, Annie decides to force the issue and embarks on a cross-country trip with Grace and Pilgrim, headed for Booker's ranch. Upon arrival, Booker sees Grace and Pilgrim, puts two and two together, and agrees to try to help Pilgrim, provided Grace will assist him. Ultimately Grace agrees to help, although somewhat surly at the idea. Tom's brother, Frank (Chris Cooper) and his wife Diane (Dianne Wiest) convince Annie and Grace to come and stay on the ranch while Tom is working with Pilgrim. As Grace is befriended by Frank's young son Joe (Ty Hillman), Tom and Annie become closer as well. The sudden arrival of Robert on the farm, however, brings the feelings between Tom and Annie to a head, and forces all involved to confront the reality of the situation, including whether or not Pilgrim can, in fact, be cured. Plus, the gents unveil which two Humphrey Bogart films will make up the next pairing!

We're turning to another tribute pairing this week, the second of fourth-quarter 2025. This time around, it's a celebration of the life and work of veteran actor and superstar Robert Redford, who passed away on September 16th, 2025. Directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Redford, 1972's "Jeremiah Johnson" tells one of the true-ish tale of the American frontier. Jeremiah Johnson (Redford), after serving in the U.S. Army, has chosen to embrace the life of a mountain man and heads deep into the Rocky Mountains to hunt and trap. After a rough start, he encounters Bear Claw (Will Geer), a trapper who specialized in grizzly bears. Taking Johnson in, he also takes him under his wing and orients him to life in the wilderness. While staying with Bear Claw, he meets the chief of the nearby Crow tribe of native Americans, Paints-His-Shirt-Red (Joaquin Martinez). After leaving the grizzly hunter, Jeremiah runs across the cabin of a family recently attacked by the Blackfoot tribe. "Crazy Woman," (Allyn Ann McLerie) and her son who Jeremiah dubs Caleb (Josh Albee) are the only survivors. When it becomes time to depart the farm, Crazy Woman demands that Jeremiah take Caleb with him, which he does. Jeremiah and Caleb discover a man buried to his chin in the dirt, who introduces himself as Del Gue (Stefan Gierasch), and Del convinces Jeremiah to help him get his belongings back from the Blackfoot. The encounter isn't to Jeremiah's satisfaction, so he and Caleb depart. They soon encounter members of the Flathead native American tribe, who treat them as guests of honor. Unknowingly, Jeremiah places the chief in a difficult position when he gives the chief the Blackfeet horses and scalps. To save his honor, the chief gives Jeremiah his daughter, Swan (Delle Bolton) in marriage. Over time, Jeremiah and Swan become close, and both are dedicated to taking care of Caleb, who still hasn't spoken aloud since he was separated from his Mother. But a chance encounter with a Reverend and a troop of U.S. Army Cavalry soon upends Jeremiah's life and sets him on the path that created the legend of "Liver-Eater Johnson," whose story is the basis for this film!

The last of the original horror franchises is the topic of this episode as we finish 2025's Halloween celebration! Directed by Sean S. Cunningham and written y Victor Miller and Ron Kurz, 1980's "Firday the 13th" introduced the world to Camp Crystal Lake and the myth of Jason! Our story begins in 1958, when we see what we'll come to realize is the first killing at Camp Crystal Lake. The film then flashes forward to 1979 and the camp's grand re-opening after many years of being shuttered. Annie (Robbi Morgan), the camp's cook, is headed in for the summer. After chatting with the locals, she's dropped off near the camp where she gets another ride. Unfortunately, this last ride turns out to be her last ride. The scene then changes to Camp Crystal Lake where the new owner, Steve Christy (Peter Brouwer), is finalizing plans to open for the summer. Assisted by counselors Alice (Adrienne King), Marcie (Jeannine Taylor), Jack (Keven Bacon, in only his 5th film role), Bill (Harry Crosby), Brenda (Laurie Bartram), and Ned (Mark Nelson), typical teen hijinks ensue... until the counselors start dying, one-by-one. But who is killing the members of Camp Crystal Lake and why? When the killer's identity is revealed, so is the full lore that the entire franchise is based on! Plus, stick around for the (real?) ending! Also starring Ronn Carroll, Ron Millkie, Walt Gorny, and Betsy Palmer! Finally, the trio reveal which two films they'll be reviewing in their tribute to veteran actor and Hollywood superstar Robert Redford!

It's Halloween time again, and we're looking at the last two original horror franchises we haven't done yet! First up - a story that starts off a thriller, turns to horror, and then clips into the realm of science fiction as well! Written and directed by Don Coscarelli, 1979's "Phantasm" kicks off with a cemetery, an amorous couple, and a stabbing, which provides the reason for our protagonists, Mike (A. Michael Baldwin), Jody (Bill Thornbury), and Reggie (Reggie Bannister) to arrive at Morningside Funeral Home and Cemetery for the funeral services. While Mike and Reggie attend as guests, Jody is spying from the nearby woods, and witnesses the funeral director, someone referred to only as "The Tall Man," (Angus Scrimm), pick up the body-filled coffin by himself and deposit it in the hearse. Of course, neither Mike nor Reggie believe him, so Jody begins a quest to find proof that something strange is going on at the funeral home. Only after witnessing the death of the graveyard's caretaker (Kenneth V. Jones) after he's impaled on a chrome-sphere that sprouts blades and a drill, and chopping the Tall Man's fingers off, does Jody have sufficient proof to convince Mike and Reggie. The inevitable showdown between the trio and the Tall Man can only end one way... but who will emerge victorious? Also starring Kathy Lester, Terrie Kalbus, and Mary Ellen Shaw.

As we continue our pairing of superhero origin stories in the MCU, we move ahead three years to what is arguably the best origin story to come out of Marvel studios yet! Directed by Joe Johnston, 2011's "Captain America: The First Avenger" begins with a team of scientists in the Arctic circle investigaving something that the shifting ice has revealed, some sort of immense vehicle. Once the on-site team is able to get inside, they discover, still frozen in the ice, a round shield with red and white circles surrounding a blue field with a white star. Cut to World War II, and a German military officer named Johan Schmidt (Hugo Weaving) is in Norway, pursuing an artifact reputed to have magical powers. He finds what he is looking for and orders the temple that was housing it destroyed. Then, in New York City, we see a thin, unwell-looking young man named Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) attempting to sign up to fight in the war. Unfortunately, his long list of physical maladies renders him unfit for service, even though his best friend James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes (Sebastian Stan) has already enlisted and been assigned to the same unit Steve's father fought in, the 107th. Eventually, Steve tries again and is confonted by Bucky, who questions his reasoning. This conversation is overheard by Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) who is recruiting for a top-secret experiment. He forces Steve to confess to multiple attempt to sign up, and asks him why. He's satisfied enough with Steve's answer to offer him a chance to participate in his experiment, which Steve jumps at. At boot camp, Steve meets MI-6 Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) and their unit's commanding officer Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones). Ultimately, even though Steve is the weakest member of the unit, he is chosen for Erskine's experiment, and turned into America's first Super Soldier. But, after Erskine is killed immediately after his success, and the last vial of super-soldier serum stolen, Steve bursts into action, discovering exactly what the serum has turned him into. He catches the assassin, but before he can take him in or question him extensively, the assassin commits suicide by cyanide. Steve is then whisked off by Senator Brandt to become the symbol of the war effort and assist the government in selling war bonds. Ultimately, however, Steve ends up near the front in Europe, and takes it upon himself to rescue the remaining members of the 107th, including Bucky, and returns them to Colonel Phillips, along with stolen vehicles and weapons using the strange blue energy Schmidt has managed to leech from the magical artifact. Thus the stage is set for Captain America to go up against his first supervillain, when Schmidt's true identity is revealed, with the fate of the free world in the balance! Also starring Toby Jones, Dominic Cooper, Neal McDonough, Natalie Dormer, and Samuel L. Jackson! And the gents reveal which two films they'll be reviewing as they pay tribute to the late, great Robert Redford!

It's the start of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) for this pairing, and two superhero origin stories, including arguably the best one! But we start as the MCU started, with the very first film of "Phase 1" and an interesting choice it was! Directed by Jon Vavreau himself, 2008's "Iron Man" tells the story of tech mogul, inventor, and playboy Tony Stark Jr. (Robert Downey Jr.) who, after demoing a frightening new weapon for the military in Afghanistan, is captured by insurgents and forced to recreate the weapon for his captors. Unbeknownst to them, however, Tony decides first to create a miniature Arc Reactor to help keep the shrapnel from the bomb that exploded next to him from reaching his heart. But he also decides to build a power suit of armor to use to facilitate his escepa, along with his companion in capture, Yinsen (Shaun Toub). He escapes, but loses Yinsen in the attempt. He is rescued by his friend and soldier James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Terrence Howard). Back in the USA, he's reuinited with his right-hand woman, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and his business partner and mentor Obidiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). At a hastily-called news conference, he announces that his company, Stark Enterprises, will no longer be manufacturing weapons. This sets in motion a series of events where Tony is staying out of the public spotlight while Obidiah handles Stark's board of directors, given Tony's announcement. While at home, Tony creates a significantly more powerful version of his chest Arc Reactor, and then sets about creating a much more streamlined and capable suit of armor. Unfortunately, while this is happening, Obidiah is secretly working against Tony, having been the one who arranged for the insurgents to capture Tony in the first place. As Tony and Obidiah head inexorably toward open conflict, Tony's genius is put to the test, and his legacy is on the line! Also starring Leslie Bibb, Faran Tahir, Paul Bettany, Jon Favreau, and Clark Gregg!

Our second film honoring Graham Greene, who passed away on September 1st, 2025, brings us to a much more recent historical story. Loosely based on the Wounded Knee Incident of 1973, and directed by Michael Apted, 1992's "Thunderheart" follows FBI Agent Ray Levoi (Val Kilmer) who, because of his Sioux heritage, is assigned to investigate a murder on a Native American reservation in the west. Upon arriving, Levoi reports to his superior officer, and a hero of Levoi's, Agent Frank 'Cooch" Coutelle (Sam Shepard). As the two agents begin investigating the murder, they run into Walter Crow Horse (Graham Greene), a Tribal police officer who immediately butts heads with the two federal officers. Levoi and Coutelle run down a list of suspect until they have only two: Maggie Eagle Bear (Sheila Tousey) and Jimmy Looks Twice (John Trudell). In addition, Coutelle warns Ray about two other factions - the local white militia headed by Jack Milton (Fred Ward) and the local chapter of AIM (the American Indian Movement). But it is encounters both with the local medicine man, Grandpa Sam Reaches (Ted Thin Elk) and Maggie's grandmother Maisy Blue Legs (Sarah Brave) that lead Ray to begin experiencing visions and connecting with the heritage he's ignored all his life. But which will win out in the end... Ray's devotion to the FBi or his new-found spiritual awakening? And who killed Leo Fast Elk (Allan R. J. Joseph)? And finally, the trio reveal which MCU films will be featured in the next pairing!

This pairing pays tribute to Native American actor Graham Greene. Born to the Oneida tribe on the Six Nations Reservation in Ontario, Canada, Greene acted in over 180 projects over his 73-year lifespan. Greene passed away on September 1st, 2025, leaving behind an amazing body of work. But the role he's likely most known for comes from a film that netted him his only Academy Award nomination (for Best Supporting Actor), 1990's "Dancing With Wolves!" Directed by, and starring, Kevin Costner, the story follows Lt. John J. Dunbar (Costner) who, seemingly critically wounded, tries to commit suicide by enemy fire, only to enable a rout by the Union army! Due to the results of his actions, his injury is treated and he's given any posting he wishes, along with the horse "Cisco" he was riding. Dunbar chooses to be assigned to the edge of the fast-vanishing American frontier. Upon arriving at Fort Hays, he is assigned to Fort Sedgwick, a very remote outpost, and travels there with a rather vulgar delivery driver named Timmons (Robert Pastorelli). Upon his arrival he finds the fort deserted, but chooses to rehabilitate it and take up his post regardless. He begins being joined by a lone wolf he names "Two Socks", who comes every evening to watch him. Eventually, the nearby Sioux tribe notice him and attempt to steal Cisco. Fortunately, the horse is wily and escapes being taken twice. Eventually, Dunbar decides to go to the tribe to try to initiate friendly relations. On the way, he finds newly widowed Stands With A Fist (Mary McDonnell), a white woman adopted by the tribe. He brings her back to the tribe, which impresses their medicine man Kicking Bird (Greene). Eventually, over many months, Dunbar and Kicking Bird forge a tentative peace, which becomes a friendship as Dunbar is slowly accepted by the rest of the tribe. But times marches inexorably forward, and the army returns to Fort Sedgwick. Also starring Rodney A. Grant, Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman, and Tantoo Cardinal.

Our second film has become something of a cultural signpost about the longevity and legacy of 1950s and 60s soul music! Directed by Alan Parker, 1991's "The Commitments" chronicles the rise and fall of something of an anomaly: An Irish Soul band! Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) has decided he wants to found, and manage, an Irish soul band. The only problem: Finding enough quality musicians to staff the band, and then keeping the peace between them! He recruits guitarish Outspan Foster (Glen Hansard) and bassist Derek Scully (Ken McCluskey) out of another band where they're languishing playing pop tunes. He also recruits keyboardist Steven Clifford (Michael Aherne), alto saxophonist Dean Fay (Felim Gormley), drummer Billy Mooney (Dick Massey), and female backup singers Bernie McGloughlin (Bronagh Gallagher), Natalie Murphy (Maria Doyle Kennedy), Imelda Quirke (Angelina Ball), and lead vocalist Deco Cuffe (Andrew Strong). His last addition is an veteran trumpet player, someone who played with many of the original soul artists and acts, Jimmy "The Lips" Fagan (Johnny Murphy). Unfortunately, sparks fly almost immediately as Jimmy seduces the three women, and Deco's attitude alienates everyone else in the band. It's a race to see if they can overcome their differences and find their own soul before the fractures in the group grow too large for them to continue! Plus, the three reveal which two films they'll be reviewing next as they pay tribute to actor Graham Greene, who passed away on September 1st, 2025.

This week (and next) we're looking at films about music bands. We're starting off with a film that starred an actual rock legend, alongside (at the time) a rising star! Written and directed by Paul Schrader, 1987's "Light of Day" follows the lives of two working-class siblilngs, Joe Rasnick (Michael J. Fox) and his sister Patti (Joan Jett), trying to eke out a living while still finding time to embrace their love of rock 'n roll music. Unfortunately, the two siblings are at odds about their parents, Jeanette (Gena Rowlands) and Benjamin (Jason Miller). Jeanette is seriously religious, something her husband has adopted as well, which sits fine with Joe but has alienated Patti from her mother. Meanwhile, Patti is trying to balance being a mom herself with her desire to perform music, with the music winning out, leaving Joe to pick up the pieces, including taking care of his nephew. Will the two find a way to keep music in their lives amidst all the other turmoil and trials they're continually experiencing? Also starring Michael McKean, Thomas G. Waites, Cherry Jones, and Michael Rooker!

The second film in our tribute to Terrance Stamp, who passed away on August 17th, 2025, is a story of a father trying to find out the truth about his daughter's death. Directed by Stephen Soderberg and written by Lem Dobbs, 1999's "The Limey" follows Wilson (Stamp), who is recently out of prison in England, traveling to Los Angeles to investigate the death of his daughter Jennifer (Melissa George). One there, he tracks down Jennifer's friend Ed (Luis Guzman), who sent him the newspaper clipping about her death. Luis tells him what he knows, about Jennifer's friend Elaine (Lesley Ann Warren) and her long-term boyfriend Valentine (Peter Fonda). Wilson begins to follow what clues he has, and ends up at one of Valentine's parties. There, he manages to take out one of Valentine's bodyguards who tries to forcibly eject him from the party. After a confrontation with Valentine's right-hand, Avery (Barry Newman), Wilson and Luis start to plan out how to take Valentine down. But, as with most plans, things don't go quite as intended. Also starring Joe Dallesandro and Nicky Katt. Plus, the guys reveal two films about the ups and downs of being in a professional music band they'll be looking at for the next pairing!

We're pausing our list of pairings for a couple weeks in order to pay tribute to a great actor who passed away recently. Terrence Stamp left us on August 17th, 2025, but what remains is a filmography of amazing performances, two of which we're going to spotlight. First up, what is likely his most well-known role! Directed by Richard Donner and Richard Lester, 1980's "Superman II," Stamp plays General Zod, leader of the recently freed criminal Kryptonians. Zod arrival on Earth, along with the man-hating Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and the mute beat Non (Jack O'Halloran) coincides with Superman's (Christopher Reeve) decision to give up his power in order to be with his love, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) full-time. While they're together in the Fortress of Solitude, the three evil Kryptonians subjugate the entire planet. It's only when Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) arrives to visit them in the White House that they learn the son of their jailor, Jor-El (Marlon Brando) is also on Earth. This sets up a world-shaking conflict, but how will Superman prevail against three beings as strong, or maybe even stronger, than himself? Also returning for this sequel are Ned Beatty as Otis, Valerie Perrine as Eve Teschmacher, Marc McClure as Jimmy Olsen, and Jackie Cooper as Perry White!

The companion film for our werewolf/coming-of-age stories is a unique one. Filmed in Canada, directed by John Fawcett and written by Fawcett and Karen Walton, 2000's "Ginger Snaps" tackles the puberty issue from the female perspective. Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Bridgette (Emily Perkins) Fitzgerald are the outcast sisters at their high school, obsessed with death and making their mark on the world through some very dark art and a suicide pact. They're also dealing with a haughty and beautiful mean girl, Trina (Danielle Hampton) and a high-school romeo on the make, Jason (Jesse Moss), and some creature killing local dogs. To top everything off, Ginger gets her first period, something she desperately wanted never to happen. After deciding to kidnap Trina's dog as revenge, they find the dog already dead, leading to Ginger being attacked by whatever's responsible. It turns out that the creature responsible is a werewolf, who is later killed by drug dealer Sam's (Kris Lemche) van. As Ginger starts to experience yet more physical changes, Bridgette and Sam begin to search for some sort of cure. But, as in any good horror film, things go awry in a most spectacular way. Also starring John Bourgeois and Mimi Rogers! Plus, the gents reveal which two films chronicling the rise and fall of a band make up their next pairing!